Fret not.... I am 50 years old, but I grew up slow and stupid. My NJ driving record as a young man is downright offensive. "Multi-page" as they say in law enforcement. I had at least 2 DL suspensions under the age of 22 for speeding and careless driving offenses. I also have a disorderly persons (DO) conviction on my record...outside of NJ a DO called a misdemeanor. I have learned from my mistakes and have not been ticketed for anything in over 25 years.
When I applied for my initial NJ FPID card 10 years ago, the township detective called to talk about my DO. I was honest and forthright......I told him... "I was a dumb kid who did not 'get it' until I was 25. The rules are meant for everyone. I am not special."
I got my FPID card without any hassle. I get 6 pistol permits every year and I have passed every background check ever submitted.
I say go for it. If they deny, then go nuclear on them with an attorney. With any luck, you will not need to.

So okay... turns out the guy is a member on PAFOA... a PA gun forum, lived near the boarder. He knew the damn laws and seems like many others are piling on.
http://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=351699
I do hope the guy gets a really bad slap on the wrist and I think having his guns taken away in lieu of jail time should be his biggest priority.
This was not a simple... "oops I forgot." Heck, it seems like he was coming back home from work? If so... he knowingly drove to NJ and then back, with guns on his front seat.
Most sane people would hide their guns and drive and obey all traffic laws knowing they do not want to get pulled over. This guy gets pulled over for failing to use a turn signal.
Yes, NJ laws are horrible and unjust and unconstitutional... BUT two wrongs don't make a right...
He needs a really good criminal lawyer and hope to not spend the rest of his life in jail.... but a gun rights case this is not... this is more and more an "I completely don't give a shit and will do what I want."
Heck, Aiken case was more worthy, at least he did not bring it on himself.